Lear Corporation (NYSE: LEA), one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, today unveiled one of its newest Intertronics(TM) innovations -- the Lear CruiseCam(TM), a unique security system for the law enforcement community that is incorporated into a comfortable seat designed especially for use in police cruisers. Intertronics is Lear's unique ability to integrate electronics into vehicle interior systems.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000524/DEW011 ) Lear is exhibiting CruiseCam at the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Capitol Hill Technology Fair on May 24-25. The Fair, sponsored by the Department of Justice, is specifically for law enforcement personnel, members of Congress and congressional aides and is showcasing current and emerging technologies available for law enforcement and corrections.

CruiseCam is a patented seat system developed by Lear for exclusive use in law enforcement and corrections vehicles. It features sophisticated cameras, microphones, control panel and recording equipment into a seat system designed to meet the specialized requirements of law enforcement personnel.

"CruiseCam fully integrates this sophisticated surveillance equipment into a seat system so that law enforcement agencies will be able to easily order the system for installation at the vehicle manufacturer's factory," said Robert Schieferstein, Platform Director for Lear's Ford Division. "Automaker response has been very positive and the law enforcement agencies we've been working with on this project have been very excited about the prospects of purchasing a quality system designed, tested and manufactured by a leader in automotive electronics, Lear Corporation.

"Since Lear sells its products only to automotive manufacturers and not directly to other companies, agencies or individual consumers, we are honored to have been invited by NIJ's Office of Law Enforcement Technology Commercialization to unveil CruiseCam at the Technology Fair," Schieferstein added.

The Lear CruiseCam offers improved officer safety and a wider field of view by mounting the camera to the seat frame rather than the current method of affixing the camera to the visor. This security system features wide-angle front and rear cameras that permit a rear-seat view of the occupant as well as a front-seat view using the camera's front zoom capability. There is a covert microphone for rear-seat and in-compartment audio recording using a fully functional, controlled access recorder located in a lockable drawer incorporated into the seat. The recorder allows up to eight hours of recording. The system also includes wireless remote audio for recording up to 500 feet from the vehicle.

CruiseCam's camera control module is mounted to the infinitely adjustable flexible arm that allows for optimal positioning of the camera control module and its high-resolution, 3-1/2-inch liquid crystal display monitor. The control module confirms that commands given to the recorder have been implemented.

In addition to its high-tech capabilities, CruiseCam seat also offers design features that make it the ultimate in police cruiser comfort. CruiseCam has an overall larger seat with better lateral support than the seats currently available in law enforcement vehicle packages. Improved lumbar support assures long hours of comfortable use for law enforcement personnel. The seat's weapons cut-out provides relief to the lower back of the officer who must wear required equipment. The CruiseCam's driver's seat also includes a front-mounted storage pouch for added convenience.

Lear's CruiseCam will be on display throughout the National Institute of Justice Capitol Hill Technology Fair. Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 25 in the Foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building.

Lear Corporation, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Southfield, Mich., USA, is one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, with 1999 sales of $12.4 billion. The company's world-class products are designed, engineered and manufactured by more than 120,000 employees in over 300 facilities located in 33 countries. Information about Lear and its products is available on the Internet at www.lear.com

P.S: If you liked this article, you might enjoy the just-auto newsletter.
Receive our latest content delivered right to your inbox.